New mutual aid eldercare plan unveiled

Guideline bolsters community-based services to support aging population

China has unveiled a national plan to promote mutual aid eldercare services, part of broader efforts to respond to its rapidly aging population and improve community-based care.

A guideline jointly issued by 11 central government departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission, outlines a framework to expand such services nationwide and better meet the diverse needs of older adults.

Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Zhang Jun, deputy director of the eldercare services department at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said mutual aid eldercare refers to voluntary, nonprofit services provided through mutual assistance among neighbors or community residents. He said developing such services is an important part of implementing China's national strategy to actively respond to population aging.